Many concerns have been raised about AI, but when it comes to breast cancer detection, Dr. Cindy Lee with Stony Brook University Medicine says it is a helpful tool.

Stony Brook has been using the technology since 2018. Dr. Lee says there are three benefits.

“Number one – it reduces recalls, meaning less anxiety on the patient when they get called back, less false positives,” says Dr. Lee.

Dr. Lee also says it increases cancer detection.

“It means we're finding smaller and more cancer, earlier cancers so we give people more treatment options and it reduces reading time for exams so I can spend more time with my patients,” says Dr. Lee.

For those worried AI may replace doctors, Dr. Lee says that is not the case – it is just a second set of eyes.

“AI cannot do your biopsy. AI cannot read your MRI. If you need help with pre-surgical planning and staging, you need me,” said Dr. Lee.  

RELATED: Male breast cancer survivor emphasizes the importance of health checkups

News 12 and Spectrum News NY1 are collaborating on a program to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month airing on Oct. 30 at 9 p.m. The 30-minute special will highlight cutting-edge research taking place in the tri-state area as well as underscore the importance of breast cancer prevention and detection.

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